Caramel uses Stripe Connect to securely process all gift card purchases and loyalty transactions. This guide will help you set up your Stripe account and connect it to Caramel.
Why Stripe?
Stripe is the world’s leading payment processor, trusted by millions of businesses. It offers bank-level security, supports 135+ currencies, and provides instant payouts to your bank account.
Follow these steps to connect your Stripe account and start accepting payments:
Start Onboarding Process
Click the “Connect with Stripe” button in your Caramel dashboard to begin the secure onboarding process.
Choose Account Type
Select Standard Account for the simplest setup:
You own the Stripe account
Direct access to Stripe Dashboard
Manage your own disputes and refunds
Receive payouts directly to your bank
Provide Business Information
Enter your restaurant’s details:
Legal business name
Business type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
EIN or Tax ID
Business address
Industry type (Restaurant/Food Service)
Add Representative Details
Provide information about the account representative:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security Number (last 4 digits)
Home address
Email and phone number
Configure Bank Account
Add your bank account for receiving payouts:
Bank name
Routing number
Account number
Account type (Checking/Savings)
Review and Accept Terms
Review Stripe’s Terms of Service
Accept Stripe Connect Account Agreement
Confirm all information is accurate
Complete Verification
Stripe may request additional documents:
Business license
Articles of incorporation
Bank statement
Photo ID
You manage:
Stripe Dashboard access
Dispute handling
Refund processing
Payout schedule
Tax reporting
Benefits:
Full control over your account
Direct relationship with Stripe
Access to all Stripe features
Custom payout schedules
Detailed reporting
Best for: Restaurants wanting full control
Caramel manages:
Simplified onboarding
Basic dispute handling
Standard payout schedule
You manage:
Bank account details
Tax information
Basic settings
Benefits:
Faster setup process
Less documentation required
Caramel handles complexity
Best for: Quick start needed
Accepted Payments
All major credit cards
Debit cards
Apple Pay
Google Pay
International cards
Corporate cards
Security Features
PCI DSS Level 1 certified
3D Secure authentication
Fraud detection
Encrypted transactions
Tokenized card storage
SSL/TLS encryption
Payout Options
Daily automatic payouts
Weekly/monthly schedules
Instant payouts available
Multiple bank accounts
Detailed reconciliation
Tax reporting
Global Support
135+ currencies
45+ countries
Local payment methods
Multi-language support
Currency conversion
International cards
Stripe Processing Fees
Transaction Type Fee Domestic cards 2.9% + $0.30 International cards 3.9% + $0.30 Digital wallets 2.9% + $0.30 ACH transfers 0.8% (max $5)
Once connected, you’ll have access to:
Stripe Dashboard
Monitor all transactions, payouts, and customer data directly in Stripe
Caramel Reports
View gift card sales, redemptions, and loyalty metrics in Caramel
Common causes:
Unclear document photos
Mismatched information
Expired documents
Solutions:
Ensure documents are clear and readable
Verify all information matches exactly
Submit current, valid documents
Contact Stripe support if delayed >48 hours
Common causes:
Incorrect routing number
Business name mismatch
Account restrictions
Solutions:
Double-check routing and account numbers
Ensure business name matches bank records
Contact bank to verify no restrictions
Try micro-deposit verification method
Common causes:
Name doesn’t match ID
Address mismatch
SSN issues
Solutions:
Use exact legal name from ID
Ensure current address is used
Verify SSN is entered correctly
Submit clear photo of government ID
Important Security Tips
Never share your Stripe secret keys - Keep them secure
Enable two-factor authentication - Add extra security
Regularly review transactions - Monitor for unusual activity
Keep contact info updated - Ensure you receive alerts
Train staff properly - Limit dashboard access
Enable Test Mode
Toggle to test mode in your Caramel dashboard
Use Test Cards
Success: 4242 4242 4242 4242
Decline: 4000 0000 0000 0002
Process Test Transaction
Create a test gift card purchase
Verify in Stripe
Check that the transaction appears in Stripe
Switch to Live Mode
When ready, toggle to live mode
Stripe Support
Caramel Support
Q: How long does onboarding take?
A: Most accounts are approved within 24-48 hours. Some may require additional verification.
Q: Can I use my existing Stripe account?
A: Yes! You can connect an existing Stripe account to Caramel.
Q: When do I receive payouts?
A: Standard payout schedule is 2 business days. Instant payouts are available for a small fee.
Q: Are there monthly fees?
A: No, Stripe only charges per-transaction fees. No monthly or setup fees.
Q: Can I accept international payments?
A: Yes, Stripe accepts payments from customers worldwide in 135+ currencies.